Jackspeak: A Guide to British Naval Slang

by Rick Jolly

Know what it means to “spin a dit?” Or to be in “a drop of roughers?” This comprehensive guide to the humorous and colorful slang of the British Royal Navy explains it all in layman's terms. Compiled by a decorated ex-Royal Marine surgeon, it contains often-hilarious examples of common usage, useful cross-references, and comic illustrations by Tugg, the popular cartoonist from the service newspaper Navy News. Jackspeak is essential for anyone with an interest in the Royal Navy--or who just enjoys fun wordplay!

Genres: Nonfiction, Humor, Language

521 pages, Paperback

First published March 10, 1989

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading for any FNG/Jack/Bootie. Also useful as a 'Book of Reference' for foreign naval colleagues.

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's an experimental novel comprising short non-sequential plot elements (although they are ordered alphabetically, presumably for the author's convenience).

Or possibly it's a dictionary?

Anyway, you don't have to read it from front cover to back cover as do sad gits like me. You can just dip in here and there, look up a nautical term you've heard, and enjoy some amusing dits and examples of Forces Humour. Dark Blue, yes, but also Jungly Green, Purple, Light Blue and of course Black.

And it has about 159 of Jack Tar's euphemisms for sexual intercourse. My favourite bon mot's "Receiving swollen goods". What's yours?

[Tim Corke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve not exactly read this in a day but realised it’s been on my shelf for ages and hadn’t logged it even though I regularly pick it up and scan through. Having worked with the Royal Navy this has been in parts useful and interesting to hear how the colloquial language of Jack has developed over the hear and also part translator tool as you hear new terms and wonder what on earth is going on.

It has been compiled by an RN legend who has spent a huge amount of time bringing the language of the senior service to the masses. BZ!

[Lysergius · Rating 3 out of 5]

Living in Portsmouth near RN dockyard this seemed a useful thing to read.